artin would
have been placed in an unpleasant position. But they had nothing to
fear, as, from the daily increasing perplexities of the Chilian
Government, it was in no condition to defend itself, much less to assert
the majesty of the law.

From the promptitude displayed in meeting a charge as utterly groundless
as it was infamous, and from the conviction of the squadron that I was
incapable of acting in the manner imputed to me, the calumny produced
the opposite effect to that which was intended, viz. by inspiring in the
minds of the officers and men the most intense disgust towards its
originators. On my re-hoisting my flag, I was received with every
demonstration of enthusiasm and affection, the officers unanimously
uniting in the following address;--

May it please Youe Excellency,

We, the undersigned officers of the Chilian squadron,
have heard with surprise and indignation the vile and scandalous
reports tending to bring your Excellency's high character in
question, and to destroy that confidence and admiration with which
it has always inspired us.

We have seen with pleasure the measures your Excellency has
adopted to suppress so malicious and absurd a conspiracy, and trust
that no means will be spared to bring its authors to public shame.

At a time like the present, when the best interests of the squadron
and our dearest rights as individuals are at stake, we feel especially
indignant at an attempt to destroy that union and confidence which
at present exists, and which we are assured ever will exist, while we
have the honour to serve under your Excellency's command.
With these sentiments we subscribe ourselves,

Your Excellency's most obedient humble Servant,
(Signed) J.P. GRENFELL, Lieut.-Com. _Mercedes_,
And all the Officers of the Squadron.

The excellent officer whose name is prominently attached to this
address, is now Admiral Grenfell, Consul-General in England of the
Brazilian Empire. He was my flag-lieutenant at the capture of the
_Esmeralda_, under the batteries of Callao, and it is no more than
justice to mention, that his distinguished gallantry in that affair in
an eminent degree contributed to the success of the enterprise.

But I was not the only person of whom the envoys of San Martin and their
creatures in the Chilian Government desired to get rid. General Santa
Cruz was openly appointed to supersede General Freire as Governor of